Joe Milton III made a remarkable NFL debut for the New England Patriots, leading them to a 23-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills. Milton's performance, which included a rushing touchdown and a 48-yard touchdown pass, helped the Patriots secure a win but cost them the first pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Despite the win, head coach Jerod Mayo was fired after just one season.
In a surprising turn of events, Joe Milton III made his NFL debut for the New England Patriots in their final game of the season against the Buffalo Bills. The rookie quarterback, who was drafted in the sixth round, stepped in after the first series and led his team to a 23-16 victory. Milton's performance was notable, as he completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and scored two touchdowns. This victory, however, cost the Patriots the top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, as they finished with a record of 4-13.
Joe Milton III's NFL debut was nothing short of impressive. Entering the game after the first series, Milton quickly made his presence felt by leading a 55-yard drive that culminated in a one-yard rushing touchdown, celebrated with an acrobatic backflip. He followed this with a 48-yard touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte, showcasing his strong arm and accuracy. Milton's performance was remarkable, as he completed his first 11 passes, finishing the game with a 22-of-29 passing record for 241 yards and two touchdowns. Despite playing mostly against Buffalo's backups, Milton demonstrated poise and potential as a reliable backup quarterback for the Patriots [1] [2] [3].
The Patriots' victory over the Bills had significant implications for the NFL Draft. With the win, New England lost the opportunity to secure the No. 1 overall pick, which was claimed by the Tennessee Titans. The Patriots, who finished the season 4-13, will now pick fourth in the draft. Despite the loss of draft capital, the Patriots are confident in their quarterback situation with Drake Maye, who played only one series in the game. However, the victory did not save head coach Jerod Mayo's job, as he was fired shortly after the game. Mayo's dismissal comes after just one season at the helm, following Bill Belichick's departure [2] [3].
Joe Milton's debut performance has set the stage for a promising future in the NFL. The rookie quarterback expressed his excitement and disbelief at the opportunity, stating, "I'm going to be honest with you all, still to this moment right now, none of this feels real." Milton's ability to step up and perform under pressure has bolstered his case to be the Patriots' backup quarterback in the 2025 season. Despite the Bills resting many of their starters, Milton's ability to run the offense effectively was a success in itself. As he reflects on his debut, Milton remains focused on his development and cherishing the moments with his teammates [4] [5].
Joe Milton III's NFL debut was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season for the New England Patriots. His performance against the Buffalo Bills showcased his potential as a capable backup quarterback. While the victory cost the Patriots the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, it provided a glimpse of Milton's abilities and future with the team. As the Patriots move forward, they will do so without head coach Jerod Mayo, who was relieved of his duties after just one season. Milton's journey in the NFL is just beginning, and his debut has set a strong foundation for his career.
"I'm going to be honest with you all, still to this moment right now, none of this feels real." - Joe Milton III
"The full length of an average career in the NFL is three years, so just try to take every rep that I get, even if it’s in practice or a game, just try to take it serious as much as I can." - Joe Milton III